Today sees the launch of the West End’s first ever bespoke online visitor hub, specifically designed to showcase the very best things to do and see across London’s most iconic shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural districts. This custom-built portal will be hosted on visitlondon.comand will act as one stop shop for shoppers and visitors alike to get the most out of their trip to the capital this summer, ensuring they have an unforgettable visit.

Julie Chappell, Chief Digital Officer at London & Partners, which runs VisitLondon.com, said: “The West End is one of London’s world-renowned destinations and is hugely attractive to our visitors. We’re delighted to be able to shine a light on all there is to do in the area, from fantastic art and theatre to shopping and nightlife, and we look forward to welcoming even more tourists as they come to discover all that London has to offer.”

The microsite is being launched to coincide with the ‘West End Everyone Welcome’ campaign delivered by the West End Partnership. To celebrate this international campaign the West End has been adorned, , in over 370 flags spanning approximately 4.5 miles. Street dressing can be enjoyed across some of the city’s most famous areas including Bond Street, Leicester Square, Oxford Street, Piccadilly, Regent Street, St James’s, South Molton Street, Conduit Street and Coventry Street, whilst Carnaby Street has a huge globe hanging from above its bustling street declaring that ‘Carnaby Welcomes the World’. As well as supporting the mayoral ‘London is Open’ initiative, the campaign will highlight the unbeatable world-class offering that this iconic destination has to offer visitors from the UK and overseas. This new intuitive platform will provide an easy-to-navigate home for all the best things to do and see as well as key tourist information such as how best to get around and where to stay.

London’s West End attracts more international shoppers than any other UK retail destination, with visitors from every corner of the globe expected on its doorstep the area’s stores, restaurants and leisure hotspots have joined forces to make each and every trip to the West End an unforgettable one. From world-leading art exhibitions, a list of delectable dining experiences, the biggest and best brand flagship stores in the world, to in-store and open-air summer events not to be missed – the offer is unrivalled.

Top five things to do listed on the West End hub this Summer include:

Make the most of Soho’s independent record shops by spending hours flipping through the vinyl at Sister Ray and Reckless Records.

Stroll down Summer Streets on Regent Street to enjoy a plethora of entertainment and activities, as well as delicious food and drink. The annual traffic-free event takes place across the first four Sundays in July and transforms the bustling street into one big summer party

Escape lively Oxford Street at the John Lewis Gardening Society Rooftop, opening for its second summer atop the flagship department store. Cool down with an ice-cold beverage served from the new Gardener’s Arms, rumoured to be Britain’s smallest pub. Reserve a “summer house” complete with a private herb and flower garden and outdoor seating, or a larger “pavilion” where you can sit and enjoy British-inspired food from a rooftop menu

Make the most of London’s summer with a delightful picnic in one of the gorgeous Royal Parks surrounding Sofitel London St James hotel. Its head chef serves a ploughman’s picnic with a selection of sandwiches, tasty charcuterie from Trealy Farm, salad, cheeses and Parisian pastrie

Get to know the coolest artists in London as you explore Carnaby. Visit souvenir store, We Built This City to pick up fun artwork and gifts from more than 250 homegrown designers. Get involved in creative events at the Lomography Gallery Store, including regular workshops and discussions by guest speakers. Plus, pick up your own piece of Carnaby art with a limited edition tote bag designed by London illustrator Hattie Stewart